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From223US$ /night
Check-in
22Mar2026Select date
Check-out
23Mar2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

16 Skipper Street, Belfast, United Kingdom, BT1 2DY
-
Close to the city center
Perfect
9.1
9.3
/10
4.3
4.5
/5

The Merchant Hotel - A 5-star luxury hotel in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter with rooftop hot tub, award-winning dining, and Victorian-Art Deco design

The Merchant Hotel occupies a grand 1860 Italianate former Ulster Bank HQ in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter, blending Victorian grandeur with Art Deco modernity. Its 62 individually furnished rooms include Victorian-style accommodations with antique fireplaces and four-poster beds, while Art Deco-inspired rooms feature Le Corbusier chairs and marble-walled bathrooms with rain showers. Guests can dine at three onsite restaurants: The Great Room Restaurant serves a seven-course tasting menu with classical French dishes, Bert's Jazz Bar offers French bistro-style food with nightly live jazz, and The Cloth Ear pub provides upmarket pub grub. A rooftop gym includes a sauna, steam room, and an outdoor hot tub with panoramic city views. The basement spa offers massages from £65 for 45 minutes in candlelit treatment rooms. The hotel is a 10-minute walk from Belfast city center and near landmarks like Titanic Belfast (2 km) and St George's Market (0.5 km). Afternoon tea at The Merchant Hotel includes finger sandwiches, scones, and seasonal patisseries in The Great Room Restaurant.

Pros

The rooftop hot tub provides panoramic views of Belfast, including the Albert Clock and Harland & Wolff shipyard cranes.

Bert's Jazz Bar features live jazz nightly alongside French bistro cuisine in a 1920s-inspired setting.

The basement spa offers candlelit treatments and a relaxation room for post-massage lounging.

The seven-course tasting menu in The Great Room Restaurant rivals Michelin-starred dining in Belfast.

Rooms include premium bedding, pillow menus, and laptop-compatible safes.

Cons

The hotel's central Cathedral Quarter location can be noisy due to nearby nightlife venues.

Some rooms in the Victorian wing may feel outdated compared to the Art Deco-style accommodations.

Must-do experiences

  • Visit the Ulster Museum for insights into Northern Irish history.
  • Savor a traditional Ulster Fry at the famous 2 Wongs café.
  • Stroll through St. George's Market on the weekend for local crafts.
  • Take a Black Taxi Tour to learn about Belfast's political murals.
  • Explore the Titanic Quarter and visit the Titanic Belfast museum.
View all

Select your room type

The Merchant Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Deluxe Double Room
2 persons
295 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Heating
Suite
2 persons
455 sq. feet 
Coffee machine
Heating
Deluxe Double or Twin Room
2 persons
295 sq. feet 
2 King Size Beds
Heating
Bathtub

Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

This grand hotel provides facilities designed for comfort and memorable stays.
Facilities: Perfect
9.3/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi in public areas
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Allergy-free rooms
  • Lift
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Car hire
  • Dry cleaning
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • In-room breakfast
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Babysitting/Child services

Spa & Leisure

  • Spa & wellness centre
  • Sauna
  • Jacuzzi
  • Massage

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

Dining Onsite

At The Merchant Hotel, culinary delights await within its elegant dining venues, each offering a unique blend of traditional local flavors and timeless ambiances. From high tea to a la carte dining, guests can indulge in authentic experiences that celebrate the essence of the region.
The Merchant Hotel Belfast Restaurant photo The photo shows a dimly lit, elegant room, likely a bar or lounge. The walls are a warm, golden yellow, and the ceiling is ornately decorated with molding and a central chandelier that casts a warm glow. 

The room features several plush, dark blue v
The Merchant Hotel Belfast Restaurant photo The photo captures a stylish and dimly lit bar area. The focal point is a sleek, dark blue countertop bar with a polished, reflective surface. Behind the bar is a striking display featuring bottles of liquor, illuminated shelves, and a prominent arch
The Merchant Hotel Belfast Restaurant photo The photo shows a stylish and intimate restaurant setting. The walls are draped in rich, textured red fabric, creating a warm and luxurious atmosphere. The lighting is dim and focused on the tables, with small red lamps providing a soft glow on each

The Great Room Restaurant

Local cuisine with a focus on traditional dishes
Ambiance
A romantic setting that reflects classic elegance and warmth
Key Offerings
Signature à la carte menu and exquisite afternoon teas
Reservation
Reservations recommended
Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and high tea

The Merchant Hotel Location

16 Skipper Street, Belfast, United Kingdom, BT1 2DY
Map view
16 Skipper Street, Belfast, United Kingdom, BT1 2DY
Nearby
Market
St George's Market
2000 ft
Donegall Quay
The Big Fish
1300 ft
17 Queens Square
Albert Memorial Clock Tower
1400 ft
Museum
Royal Ulster Rifles Museum
300 ft
Church
Belfast Cathedral
1200 ft
Museum
W5
1700 ft
Shopping Area
Victoria Square Shopping Centre
1200 ft
49 Malone Road 1st Floor
Ulster Historical Foundation
900 ft
Library
Belfast Central Library
1600 ft
BelfastNorthern Ireland
Cathedral Quarter
500 ft
Church
Sinclair Seamens Presbyterian Church
1300 ft
Europa Buscentre Gt. Victoria Street
Monument to the Unknown Woman Worker
300 ft
Church
St George's Church
300 ft
1 Arthur Square
Spirit of Belfast
900 ft
Bridge
Lagan Weir and Lookout
1100 ft
Square
Thanksgiving Square
1100 ft
Arcade 24 Belfast City Skin Works 75 North Street Cathedral Quarter
Celtic and World Tattoo Museum
1000 ft
Gallery
Golden Thread Gallery
1300 ft
Restaurants
The Cloth Ear
200 ft
33 Waring Street
Pizza Punks Belfast
200 ft
20-22 Waring Street
The Cocktail Bar at The Merchant Hotel
200 ft
16 Skipper Street The Merchant Hotel
The Spaniard
100 ft
3 Skipper Street
2 Taps
300 ft
Cotton Court 42 Waring Street
21 Social
200 ft
1 Hill Street Cotton Court
The Dirty Onion
400 ft
Hill Street
Explore Belfast
Explore Belfast
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
City Hall
9 minutes' walk
City Hall features stunning architecture and a garden. Guided tours reveal its history and free admission is available.
St George's Market
8 minutes' walk
St George's Market showcases local produce and crafts. It's vibrant on weekends, ideal for foodies and artisans.
Titanic Belfast
25 minutes' walk
Titanic Belfast provides an in-depth experience of the famous ship's history. Interactive exhibits make it a must-visit.
The SSE Arena
13 minutes' walk
The SSE Arena hosts concerts and sporting events. Check their schedule for an exciting show during your stay.
Hiking at Divis
3 minutes' walk
Divis offers scenic trails for hiking. Perfect for enjoying nature with various routes for all skill levels.
Yoga at The Merchant Hotel
1 minute' walk
Relaxation sessions available at the hotel. Perfect for recharge after a day of exploring Belfast.
The Cloth Ear
1 minute' walk
The Cloth Ear offers local favorites in a relaxed pub atmosphere, perfect for enjoying traditional Irish dishes.
Pizza Punks Belfast
1 minute' walk
Pizza Punks serves artisanal pizzas with fresh ingredients. Its casual vibe makes it ideal for families and groups.
Grand Opera House
14 minutes' walk
The Grand Opera House offers a variety of performances, including musicals and plays. Its ornate interior adds charm.
The Cocktail Bar at The Merchant Hotel
1 minute' walk
The Cocktail Bar features a chic atmosphere with innovative drinks and a stylish crowd-perfect for nightlife in Belfast.
Transportation and Accessibility
City Centre
Belfast6 min  ·  1700 ft
Airports
George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD)8 min  ·  3.0 mi
Belfast (BFS)45 min  ·  18.6 mi
Train
Lanyon Place Station11 min  ·  3000 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-22:00
Check-out
from 01:00-12:00
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.
Breakfast
The hotel The Merchant provides visitors with a free full breakfast. 
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
Italian
Year renovated:
2010
Number of floors:
6
Number of rooms:
43

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Merchant Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 230 verified reviews
8.7/10
Great
85%
Recommend
Breakfast
9.4/10
Cleanliness
9.5/10
Comfort
9.6/10
Facilities
9.3/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.5/10
Location
9.6/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.0/10
Staff
9.5/10
Value for money
8.5/10
Pros
Excellent service
Comfortable bed
Delicious breakfast
Spacious suite
Cons
Tired venue
Overpriced food
Inflexible staff
Reduced cocktail menu
Guest reviews
based on 412 reviews
9.1/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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FAQs
About The Merchant Hotel
What is the distance from The Merchant Hotel to the city center?
The hotel is about a 10-minute walk, approximately 800 m, from the city center.
Which major attractions are close to The Merchant Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Titanic Belfast (3 km), Crumlin Road Gaol (1 km), and the Albert Memorial Clock (1 km).
What dining options are available at The Merchant Hotel?
The hotel features three on-site restaurants, including The Great Room Restaurant, which offers a fine à la carte menu.
What amenities does The Merchant Hotel provide for guests?
The hotel offers amenities such as a fitness center, rooftop hot tub, full-service spa, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Is breakfast available at The Merchant Hotel?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of 25 GBP.
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Merchant Hotel?
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 12:00.
Which spa facilities are offered at The Merchant Hotel?
The hotel features a spa with five treatment rooms, hydrotherapy area, sauna, and steam room.
What type of rooms does The Merchant Hotel have?
The hotel offers a variety of elegantly appointed rooms with original artwork and spacious en suite marble bathrooms.
How far is The Merchant Hotel from the nearest airport?
The hotel is located approximately 25 km from Belfast International Airport.
Does The Merchant Hotel provide any entertainment options?
Bert's Jazz Bar offers live music seven nights a week, enhancing the dining experience.
Is the hotel accessible for guests with limited mobility?
The hotel features wheelchair access and offers amenities for guests with limited mobility.
Check-in
22Mar2026Select date
Check-out
23Mar2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room